Hong kong culture
Meeting and Greeting
The handshake is commonly used when greeting westerners.
The Hong Kong Chinese handshake is rather light.
During the greeting, many Hong Kong Chinese lower their eyes as a sign of respect.
There is no need for you to emulate this gesture, although prolonged eye contact should be avoided during the greeting.
If you are at a large function, you may introduce yourself to other guests.
At smaller functions, it is polite to wait for your host or hostess to introduce you.
The Chinese traditionally have 3 names: The surname, or family name is first and is followed by two personal names. The first personal name is their father's name and the second personal name is their own name.
Address the person by an honorific title and their surname.
If they want to move to a first name basis, they will advise you which name to use.
Some Chinese adopt more western names and may ask you to call them by that name.
Dining Etiquette
Table manners are rather relaxed in Hong Kong, although there are certain rules of etiquette. When in doubt, watch what others do and emulate their behaviour.
Wait to be told where to sit. There is often a seating plan.
Wait for the host to tell you to start eating or for him to begin eating.
Food is served on a revolving tray.
You should try everything.
Never eat the last piece from the serving tray.
Burping is considered a compliment.
Chopsticks should be returned to the chopstick rest after every few bites and when you drink or stop to speak.
Always refuse a second serving at least once if you don't want to appear gluttonous.
Leave some food in your bowl when you have finished eating.
When you have finished eating, place your chopsticks in the chopstick rest or on the table. Do not place your chopsticks across the top of your bowl.
The host offers the first toast. You may reciprocate later in the meal.
Business Meetings & Negotiations
.Appointments are necessary and should be made between 1 and 2 months in advance if you are travelling to Hong Kong.
.Avoid trying to schedule meetings during Chinese New Year (late January or early February) as many businesses close for a week during that time.
You should arrive at meetings on time.
If you are detained, telephone and advise the person you are meeting.
.will be a period of small talk before getting down to business discussions.
When meeting your Hong Kong business associates, allow the most senior person in your delegation to lead the group and be introduced first.
.Business negotiations happen at a slow pace.
Avoid losing your temper or you will lose face and damage your relationship.
Do not use high-pressure tactics. You might be out-maneuvered.
.Decisions are usually made at the top of the company. However, the pace of decision making is swifter than in other Asian countries.
.Your starting price should leave room for negotiation. Never offer your best price initially.
.Business is more price than quality driven.
.If you are signing a contract, the signing date may be determined by an astrologer or a feng shui practitioner.
